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BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Members of North Dakota’s congressional delegation are pleased the U.S. House has approved a bill to lift a 40-year U.S. ban on crude oil exports.

The Republican-controlled House approved the measure Friday despite a White House veto threat.

U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer voted for the proposal. The Republican from oil-rich North Dakota says the U.S. should use American energy development for peaceful international influence while creating jobs at home.

The White House calls the measure unnecessary and argues a decision on ending the ban should be made by the commerce secretary.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp says maintaining the ban weakens the country’s ability to strengthen its economy and harms American producers’ competitiveness.